School Board Reviews Designs, Oks Blueprints For 2 Schools

ROMEOVILLE — The Valley View Community School District 365-U board had its first look Monday at architectural designs for two new elementary schools.

The board later voted to release $172,000 authorizing the firm of Wight Cos. to prepare blueprints.

The two schools--one in the Pheasant Chase residential development in Bolingbrook and one in the Wesglen development in Romeoville--will accommodate 600 pupils with the potential to add 200 more.

The Pheasant Chase school is expected to cost $7 million. Cost for Wesglen may be lower depending upon site preparation costs.

Funding for the schools is expected to come from an April referendum proposal asking voters to authorize a $26.4 million bond issue. The board plans to spend $1.4 million of the bond money for additions at the Jonas Salk, Oak View and Independence Elementary Schools in Bolingbrook and to use $3 million for an addition to Bolingbrook High School.

If the referendum proposal fails, the district keeps the designs and blueprints for future construction.